Developing a career in catering or looking to explore how your culinary skills can be put to good use? Sous Chef roles are available around the UK. Whether you’re looking for full-time work in a restaurant or shift work in a specialist cuisine, there are plenty of opportunities available. Here, we will explore what to expect from your day-to-day as a Sous Chef, similar job roles, and how to apply for this line of work.
To become a Sous Chef, you will need experience and exceptional culinary skills. Most Sous Chefs reach this level through a combination of culinary education and experience in professional kitchens – including mentorship from established Head Chefs in their fields. Experience in a variety of professional and commercial kitchens can also help you develop skills necessary for this assistant management position.
When applying for these roles, you’ll want a Sous Chef CV tailored to your expertise, and even cuisine. Depending on the kitchen you’re applying for, you will need to demonstrate not only your culinary skills and experience, but also your management, organisation, and team working skills.
Whether you’re looking to expand your skills or find your next step towards becoming a Sous Chef, there are many jobs that use similar skills. These include Line Cook, Commis Chef, Chef de Partie (also known as a Station Cook), as well as Executive Chef or Restaurant Manager. Each of these roles require a strong understanding of kitchen operations, some culinary skill or experience, and strong managerial abilities.
The hospitality and catering sector is a great sector for anyone looking for flexible or alternative working arrangements across the UK. Due to the demands on hospitality and catering staff, you could find shift patterns that suit your prior commitments including evening, early morning, or weekend work. This makes it perfect for students gaining experience through entry-level positions or people who prefer a scheduled rota of working. Some other roles within this sector that could suit you as a Sous Chef include Bar Manager, Restaurant Manager, Catering Manager, Host/ Hostess, or specialist Chef roles including Pastry Chef. Each of these positions draws on your strong ability to manage situations and teams, provide training and instructions, and work within a fast-paced environment comfortably.
Due to the high demand for exceptional culinary skills across the UK, it is easier than ever to find Sous Chef jobs near you. Whether you’re looking to work in a restaurant or a commercial building including prisons or schools, there are plenty of opportunities available across the UK within the hospitality and catering industry.
Yes, a Sous Chef is a good career choice for anyone with previous culinary experience who is looking to increase their responsibilities within a kitchen. Whether you’re developing for a Head Chef position or enjoy the responsibility and duties of a Sous Chef, it is a great career choice for many people within a professional kitchen.
To become a Sous Chef, you will need culinary experience – typically both culinary education and experience in professional kitchens. However, some skills you should also be developing include:
As the second-in-command, you will be expected to manage the kitchen on behalf of the Head Chef on occasions – this can be a high-pressure role, so it requires someone who is calm under pressure. You might also be required to work unconventional working hours such as late evenings and weekends, so this role isn’t suitable for everyone.
When it comes to succeeding in a Sous Chef role, you will need these personal qualities:
